Through the Magpie Nest Cafe at the 'G, the Collingwood Football Club is pleased to announce $169,000 has been raised to support the Magpie Nest program.
Thanks to the generous donations of the Club’s Members, supporters, commercial and community partners, the funds will provide 33,800 meals to Melbourne’s most vulnerable.
Shining a light on the needs of Melbourne's homeless and vulnerable, Collingwood and Coles united to raise much-needed funds to ensure the ongoing operation and important work of the Magpie Nest Cafe.
Located in the heart of the CBD, the Magpie Nest Cafe is the first point of call for many people in Melbourne experiencing homelessness. The Cafe provides free breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as wrap-around services.
Run by Project 614 and supported by Collingwood, the Magpie Nest Cafe is more than a place to share a meal – it's a space where people come every day in search of food, a moment of comfort and a sense of belonging.
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n 2024, the Cafe provided over 104,000 meals to people across our community – enough to fill the MCG.
With the demand of meals continuing to grow each year, the funds raised enable the Magpie Nest Cafe to continue its important work, ensuring meals and services are available daily.
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly thanked everyone who helped raise the much-needed funds for the Cafe through the Club’s Magpie Nest Week.
"Our partnership with the Magpie Nest Cafe is something the Club is incredibly proud of, and we are pleased to have raised $169,000, the equivalent of over 33,000 meals – thanks to the Magpie Army and everyone who jumped on board and showed their support throughout Magpie Nest Week," Kelly said.
"It was fantastic to welcome 500 of the Cafe's clients to the MCG on Sunday to not only have a warm meal but also to watch the football together, providing a sense of community and belonging and we thank our partners - Coles, Primo and LiveLife Alarms – helping us reach more people and extend our impact to those who need it most.
"Even though Magpie Nest Cafe at the 'G is over, the fight against homelessness isn't. Collingwood will continue to work with the Magpie Nest Cafe all year round to assist in providing essential resources – a donation as little as $5 can go a long way in ensuring those doing it tough feel supported and seen.”
Throughout the year, staff and players from Collingwood, alongside Coles' employees, regularly offer their time to support the Cafe, which is run by volunteers and community members who are passionate about helping those in need.
Collingwood also opens its doors on Christmas Day, relocating the Magpie Nest Cafe to the Glasshouse at the AIA Vitality Centre, ensuring that no one goes without a meal or friendly company.
Donate a meal that makes a difference. Support the Magpie Nest Cafe today.
